Most head injuries involve simple cuts and bruises and do not need medical treatment. On the other hand, a severe head injury is life-threatening. Common causes of head injuries are car or motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and falls around the house. Babies that are shaken are at risk for internal head injuries.
A neck injury may be present with a serious head injury. The injured person should NOT be moved unless that person is not breathing or is in danger if left in place.
CALL 000 IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS EXIST:
- There is a change in the level of consciousness (such as confusion, drowsiness, or temporary loss of consciousness).
- There is no breathing or pulse (CPR may be needed).
- The injured person is unable to move any limbs.
Acute injuries of the head include concussion, contusion, blood collection, and fracture.
A CONCUSSION results from a hard blow or fall that results in temporary loss of consciousness. Loss of memory, dizziness, and vomiting may occur. Shock and partial paralysis may also develop.
A CONTUSION is a bruise on the brain. This causes the brain tissues to swell. The swelling may be from blood or other fluids.
A BLOOD COLLECTION is a clot that forms from a ruptured blood vessel inside or outside the brain. Symptoms begin from an hour to several weeks or more after a blow to the head. Pressure on the brain may build to produce headache, nausea, vomiting, alteration of consciousness, and pupils of unequal size. Death can occur if this is not treated.
A FRACTURE is a crack or break in the skull. Signs of fracture include bruising around the ears or eyes, drainage of fluids from the ears or nose, unequal size of pupils, and skull deformity.
If any of these signs are present in an individual who has had a head injury, call 000.
Article #7536
Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved.
